Friday

Volunteer Spotlight

As far as volunteering goes, Vicki Prothero knows her
stuff. After all, you don’t get to be a volunteer traveling overseas to perform
missionary work without being somewhat of an expert on how to give back. Vicki
has rekindled a passion for helping others that was influenced by a family who
worked hard and served others. Her father s a Navy veteran and her mother
served in the Marine Corps. Vicki’s brothers were both Army veterans.

Her relationship with HVAF began in November 2012 after
meeting a veteran who relied on HVAF programs and services. With a personal
connection, it didn’t take long for her and Church 52 in which is a member to
hit that red “I want to help button” on HVAF’s website and sign up for the volunteer
opportunity.

The volunteer work that Vicki and
Church 52 have provided has helped the organization tremendously. Their help allows
maintenance staff to focus on other areas of need in serving Central Indiana
veterans.

Whether it’s interacting with
veterans through the annual picnic at the Moreau property or brainstorming
other ways to help such as hosting a resume writing
and basic computer skills workshop for the veterans; she knows her work won’t
end when the group paints the last apartment at
Moreau.

“There is something deeply enriching
to me about being engaged in my community with others who are thinking about
how to make the world a better place on issues that are important to them and
me," explains Vicki. “It also gives me a better understanding of the
challenges facing veterans.”

In May, Church 52 plans to hold a B-B-Q at HVAF’s annual
Recovery Day to show their appreciation for the veterans.